Okay, I didn't know what to call it, but I thought I'd separate this out from the hypoglycemic symptom thread. How did those of you who have managed to feel better with lower carb/low sugar diets get started?
Let me outline a little of my "normal" day foodwise, and if you have any tips, that'd be great.
Breakfast: Large glass of OJ at home, Large coffee on way to work/at work, then around 9 or 10 I almost always have a drinkable yogurt and in season fruit. (Gee, I HAVE to have my OJ...maybe its a morning response to low bs....)
Lunch: During the week I usually have either left over meat from dinner, or I get a Subway Club Salad (lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, green peppers, roast beef, ham, turkey, and cheese). Usually alternate somewhat with chips or candy. Usually have soda or gatorade, or chocolate milk (always the large serving bottles, which I continue to drink on into the afternoon). Weekends are less predictable and Geoff and I tend to go out to eat a LOT on weekends.
Dinner: Meat (hot dogs, or steak, or chicken, or burgers...we mix it up a lot), chips, or veggies. When its just Geoff and I, its more likely to be just meat.
Evening snacks: Almost always some level of sweets...right now because of the heat its popsicles. I often have a dish of ice cream, or chips, or fruit. Something along those lines.
I guess writing this out, I can see what ought to be eliminated:
Lunch: soda, candy
Snacks: need to switch to someting like some cheese or something protien based. What are good protien snacks?
Okay, I'm going to try going back to bed...I am having this midnight to 2 inability to sleep lately. And its really killing me at work. I'm unfocused, tired, irritable, sensitive to critisism...I could go on and on. I think right now its because of the hormone problems/drugs. UGH. and I have to do these drugs until December. Then its likely surgical menopause anyway!
You guys are so good at these things, any suggestions on how to get back to sleep restfully when the hot flashes and lack of sleep (not lack of sleepiness) occur?
Katy
How to start a "sugar problem" diet
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
-
kate_ce1995
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 1321
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 5:53 pm
- Location: Vermont
-
moremuscle
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 706
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:16 am
- Location: South Carolina
Good Morning, Katy
You are probably at work when you read this - tired?
I am sorry to hear about all of your current problems; inability to fall asleep is very draining and I know it has similar effects on me as what you describe. Do I sense a lot of anxiety with the drugs you have to take and the upcoming surgery? No wonder you can't fall asleep - those are some big issues to try to come to terms with. It's a type of stress that you could do without. In some ways I wish you didn't have to wait so long before the surgery so you could get it past you - but for now, you have to deal with the current situation.
I have suffered from lack of ability to fall asleep or from waking up soon after going to sleep and then not being able to go back to sleep again - it is usually anxiety with me. One of the most helpful things I have found is to put on my head phones and listen to a "guided meditation" tape I have - it can be any kind of guided relaxation instructions; a soothing soft slow voice that gently tells you what to focus on and how to breath. It takes your mind off what it is doing that keeps you awake.
Otherwise I don't have direct experience with blood sugar problems - however, the diet I am on incidentally is a low sugar, low carb diet and I feel good on it. I have done it out of necessity due to Mi-problems as you know. My diet involves a lot of meat which is something I think many people do not feel attracted to but I will share some of my "snack" ideas with you so you can incorporate as much of it as you wish and perhaps substitute some of the high carb/sugar items you use. I particularly think the large chocolate milk is a bad idea - the milk is sweet and even more so with the chocolate in it. Have you read the sugar content on the label?
For many of us with MC (and other people in general) our problems seem linked to diet in many more ways than simply avoiding gluten.
If you are able to find a beef jerky that isn't loaded with sugar (and is gf) it makes a wonderful easily portable protein snack. You can make your own using a food dehydrator - that's what I do - free of all additives.
Grilled salmon makes a very good cold snack - you can eat it with a little avocado and kim-chi to spice it up.
Any kind of gf sausage that you cook the day before can easily be eaten as finger food the next day - cold or reheated.
You mentioned hot dogs as one of your dinner meats - of course as you know hot dogs are not exactly the best kind of meat; lots of fillers in there. I would start to shop for other kinds of sausage instead of hot dogs if I were you - look in the meat department of better grocery stores and/or HF stores - they make them from scratch and if you are lucky you will find some w/o fillers - only meat, veggies, and spices.
You are onto the right thing with the left over meat you use for lunch - extend that idea into the other meals of the day as well - even for breakfast you can think in terms of protein; how about some eggs and bacon for breakfast?
By the way, vegetables are very nutritious carbs - if you can tolerate fresh/raw vegetables it is always easy to peel a couple of carrots and throw them in your bag before you leave the house. They are sweet and crunchy and make a satisfying afternoon snack.
I hope this will inspire you to figure out how to replace some of the sugar loaded components in your current diet. Give yourself some time to figure it out and find what works for you.
Have a good day, Katy.
Love,
Karen
You are probably at work when you read this - tired?
I am sorry to hear about all of your current problems; inability to fall asleep is very draining and I know it has similar effects on me as what you describe. Do I sense a lot of anxiety with the drugs you have to take and the upcoming surgery? No wonder you can't fall asleep - those are some big issues to try to come to terms with. It's a type of stress that you could do without. In some ways I wish you didn't have to wait so long before the surgery so you could get it past you - but for now, you have to deal with the current situation.
I have suffered from lack of ability to fall asleep or from waking up soon after going to sleep and then not being able to go back to sleep again - it is usually anxiety with me. One of the most helpful things I have found is to put on my head phones and listen to a "guided meditation" tape I have - it can be any kind of guided relaxation instructions; a soothing soft slow voice that gently tells you what to focus on and how to breath. It takes your mind off what it is doing that keeps you awake.
Otherwise I don't have direct experience with blood sugar problems - however, the diet I am on incidentally is a low sugar, low carb diet and I feel good on it. I have done it out of necessity due to Mi-problems as you know. My diet involves a lot of meat which is something I think many people do not feel attracted to but I will share some of my "snack" ideas with you so you can incorporate as much of it as you wish and perhaps substitute some of the high carb/sugar items you use. I particularly think the large chocolate milk is a bad idea - the milk is sweet and even more so with the chocolate in it. Have you read the sugar content on the label?
For many of us with MC (and other people in general) our problems seem linked to diet in many more ways than simply avoiding gluten.
If you are able to find a beef jerky that isn't loaded with sugar (and is gf) it makes a wonderful easily portable protein snack. You can make your own using a food dehydrator - that's what I do - free of all additives.
Grilled salmon makes a very good cold snack - you can eat it with a little avocado and kim-chi to spice it up.
Any kind of gf sausage that you cook the day before can easily be eaten as finger food the next day - cold or reheated.
You mentioned hot dogs as one of your dinner meats - of course as you know hot dogs are not exactly the best kind of meat; lots of fillers in there. I would start to shop for other kinds of sausage instead of hot dogs if I were you - look in the meat department of better grocery stores and/or HF stores - they make them from scratch and if you are lucky you will find some w/o fillers - only meat, veggies, and spices.
You are onto the right thing with the left over meat you use for lunch - extend that idea into the other meals of the day as well - even for breakfast you can think in terms of protein; how about some eggs and bacon for breakfast?
By the way, vegetables are very nutritious carbs - if you can tolerate fresh/raw vegetables it is always easy to peel a couple of carrots and throw them in your bag before you leave the house. They are sweet and crunchy and make a satisfying afternoon snack.
I hope this will inspire you to figure out how to replace some of the sugar loaded components in your current diet. Give yourself some time to figure it out and find what works for you.
Have a good day, Katy.
Love,
Karen
I am SO frustrated. I just got through typing a long post with a bunch of snack ideas, and when I hit "submit" the web filter here at the office told me I was being denied access, and wouldn't let me send it. Then I hit the "back" button thinking I'd e-mail it to myself at home and post it here during lunch, but it was GONE! This happened yesterday, too, when I had responded to someone's post on here, but I had forgotten and stupidly did it again today. This is a new filter here at the office... I used to be able to post from here. Arrrggghhh!
Next time I get a few minutes, I'll get back on and try again. :(
Sue
Sue
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Hi Katy,
I think there's more to the midnight to 2 o'clock sleep problem than hormones. I have the same problem. I'll fiddle with the computer until about 11 or 12, until I can't keep my eyes open, and then I'll take a bath and hit the hay. I'll be unable to sleep, of course, so I'll watch TV, and/or read, but it's usually around 2 or 3 before I can get to sleep. Taking a bath earlier, and then going through the computer fiddling routine, doesn't seem to make much difference.
If I can get everything done early, and get to bed by, say, 10 or so, everything is fine, except that I'll wake up early, since I'm not used to sleeping long. There seems to be something tricky about the 12 til 2 time window, though. It doesn't help that the local PBS station has nifty programs on that time of night. I'm getting to be a "Chief Inspector Morse" fan, for example. LOL.
Wayne
P S Sue--yeah, filters suck. I used to use spam filters, but I stopped using them after finding that most of them trapped too many legitimate posts. They're just not worth it. Unfortunately, in a corporate environment, they are pretty much a necessity, these days.
I think there's more to the midnight to 2 o'clock sleep problem than hormones. I have the same problem. I'll fiddle with the computer until about 11 or 12, until I can't keep my eyes open, and then I'll take a bath and hit the hay. I'll be unable to sleep, of course, so I'll watch TV, and/or read, but it's usually around 2 or 3 before I can get to sleep. Taking a bath earlier, and then going through the computer fiddling routine, doesn't seem to make much difference.
If I can get everything done early, and get to bed by, say, 10 or so, everything is fine, except that I'll wake up early, since I'm not used to sleeping long. There seems to be something tricky about the 12 til 2 time window, though. It doesn't help that the local PBS station has nifty programs on that time of night. I'm getting to be a "Chief Inspector Morse" fan, for example. LOL.
Wayne
P S Sue--yeah, filters suck. I used to use spam filters, but I stopped using them after finding that most of them trapped too many legitimate posts. They're just not worth it. Unfortunately, in a corporate environment, they are pretty much a necessity, these days.
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
-
kate_ce1995
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 1321
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 5:53 pm
- Location: Vermont
Karen, you're right...I'm feeling quite a bit of stress about the next 6+ months. At first, once I'd made my decision, I was all on board with it taking 6 months to complete. Now I just want the surgery to get on the road to recovery!
Wayne, you're also right. I have always had problems in the 12-2 range, but it has been worse lately. Of course last night it was the tooth fairy that woke me up, rustling around. The first of Erin's baby teeth fell out yesterday so she has the official "ready for school" smile. The tooth fairy of course was asleep and snoring away shortly thereafter, while I was mauled by 3 cats looking for ear skritches (only because I was awake...they know), and writing to you guys.
This morning has been okay. I've gotten a fair amount accomplished. Now if I can be productive this afternoon, I'll be happy.
Katy
Wayne, you're also right. I have always had problems in the 12-2 range, but it has been worse lately. Of course last night it was the tooth fairy that woke me up, rustling around. The first of Erin's baby teeth fell out yesterday so she has the official "ready for school" smile. The tooth fairy of course was asleep and snoring away shortly thereafter, while I was mauled by 3 cats looking for ear skritches (only because I was awake...they know), and writing to you guys.
This morning has been okay. I've gotten a fair amount accomplished. Now if I can be productive this afternoon, I'll be happy.
Katy
IMHO I would dump the soda, candy, and chocolate milk. I'd replace the soda with juice or gatorade, there are also some really nice fruit flavoured waters out now. I'd replace the candy with nuts, chips, or jerky (as was already suggested). I'm not gonna comment on the coffee - that's something I CANNOT do without, but I never drink it after 4:00 p.m.
Hugz,
Hugz,
-
moremuscle
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 706
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:16 am
- Location: South Carolina
I have problems with sleep in the 12-2 time frame as well. I seem to wake up about 1 to 2 hours after going to bed and then am up for 1-3 hours. To get 4-5 hours of solid sleep a nite is a rarity. According to the sleep study I did I have apnea.. waking up 19 times an hour!
The bipap machine might work if I could keep it on all night but I always manage to remove it when I get up and then never put it back on.. besides it can't be used when you have sinus problems and I have them chronically!
I have cut way back on coffee since my daughter in law (who is in nursing school) said that the hot drink+the caffeine in it was really hard on my digestive system. Don't notice any difference yet.. but it has only been two weeks of cutting back on coffee and caffeine..
grannyh
The bipap machine might work if I could keep it on all night but I always manage to remove it when I get up and then never put it back on.. besides it can't be used when you have sinus problems and I have them chronically!
I have cut way back on coffee since my daughter in law (who is in nursing school) said that the hot drink+the caffeine in it was really hard on my digestive system. Don't notice any difference yet.. but it has only been two weeks of cutting back on coffee and caffeine..
grannyh
OK - this will be my third try at answering Kate's original question, but this time I'm doing it from home during my lunch break. The other two "novels" I attempted were from the office and each time I hit "send" it sent them alright, to the web filter where it was trapped and/or destroyed. Darned work really interferes with my personal life sometimes. 
When I did the Atkins diet a few years back, there were a few foods that saved my sanity and helped me to stick to it strictly for a good 9 months.
Almonds. Very good for you, easy to carry around, and tasty. Whenever I had a craving for a sweet, I'd munch on a few almonds and it really was a worthy substitute! I had them at the office, at home, in my car, in my pocketbook, etc. Cures the "hungries" and the sugar craving.
String Cheese. Quick, easy snack that fills you up without killing you on calories. Portable, too!
Cream cheese: I love it right out of the tub, but when you want some dessert, put some cream cheese in a mug or bowl, pour some cream over it (light or heavy), shake some Splenda on it, and a splash of vanilla extract. Mix real well, then enjoy! It's like a cup of cheesecake! Or you can pop it in the freezer for 20 minutes and it's like cheesecake icecream. Some people on the Atkins forum spoon tablespoons of this stuff on a cookie sheet, freeze them, and have bite size snacks/desserts.
And then a lifesaver for a quick breakfast, lunch, or even dinner: put some creamcheese in a bowl and zap it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it. Then break an egg or two in there, a little Splenda, mix well, and put it back in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until the center is no longer wet. The Atkins diet calls it a "Mock Danish" but I just called it TASTY! For variety you can throw in cinnamon, fruit, chocolate syrup, etc.
I'm going to send this now before something goes wrong and I lose this AGAIN!
Hope this helps - I'm actually craving one of those cream cheese desserts right NOW!
Sue
When I did the Atkins diet a few years back, there were a few foods that saved my sanity and helped me to stick to it strictly for a good 9 months.
Almonds. Very good for you, easy to carry around, and tasty. Whenever I had a craving for a sweet, I'd munch on a few almonds and it really was a worthy substitute! I had them at the office, at home, in my car, in my pocketbook, etc. Cures the "hungries" and the sugar craving.
String Cheese. Quick, easy snack that fills you up without killing you on calories. Portable, too!
Cream cheese: I love it right out of the tub, but when you want some dessert, put some cream cheese in a mug or bowl, pour some cream over it (light or heavy), shake some Splenda on it, and a splash of vanilla extract. Mix real well, then enjoy! It's like a cup of cheesecake! Or you can pop it in the freezer for 20 minutes and it's like cheesecake icecream. Some people on the Atkins forum spoon tablespoons of this stuff on a cookie sheet, freeze them, and have bite size snacks/desserts.
And then a lifesaver for a quick breakfast, lunch, or even dinner: put some creamcheese in a bowl and zap it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it. Then break an egg or two in there, a little Splenda, mix well, and put it back in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until the center is no longer wet. The Atkins diet calls it a "Mock Danish" but I just called it TASTY! For variety you can throw in cinnamon, fruit, chocolate syrup, etc.
I'm going to send this now before something goes wrong and I lose this AGAIN!
Hope this helps - I'm actually craving one of those cream cheese desserts right NOW!
Sue
Sue
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Ummmmmmm. I'm craving one too, but unfortunately, I can't eat cheese, or cream. Sigh.
THanks for the recipes, though, in case I ever get to where I can eat things like that again.
Wayne
THanks for the recipes, though, in case I ever get to where I can eat things like that again.
Wayne
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi, Katy.
Like Sue, I have written several novels to answer this thread over the past two days only to have them dissappear. Seems ok, now.
Everyone has given you some great advice. I liked Sue's snack ideas, and often eat cheese as a snack, but have trouble with cream cheese.
You are on the right track, and once you get the sugar out of your system, you will feel so much better.
Love,
Geri
Like Sue, I have written several novels to answer this thread over the past two days only to have them dissappear. Seems ok, now.
Everyone has given you some great advice. I liked Sue's snack ideas, and often eat cheese as a snack, but have trouble with cream cheese.
You are on the right track, and once you get the sugar out of your system, you will feel so much better.
Love,
Geri